Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve is a 72 acre meadow retreat of wildflowers and butterflies hidden in a bustling suburb.   This meadow is protected to restore native flowers and grasses and provide habitat for essential pollinators and protect biodiversity.   This meadow is great for kids due to it’s 2 mile circle loop with plenty of nature and wildlife to view.  Bring a picnic, hike the meadow, visit the bee hives, smell the wildflowers, and enjoy the quietness of nature.

 The easiest place to park is at Suncreek Park (601 Alma Dr, Allen, TX) located adjacent to Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve.  Suncreek Park has a playground, sand volleyball court and pond, however the real adventure begins on the paved trail to the meadow.  The trail is flat and great for bikes, scooters, strollers and wheelchairs (no bikes or scooters allowed on the meadow).   Follow the trail and cross the bridge over the creek and the entrance to the meadow is on your left.   The path goes slightly uphill on a trail that will take you past fields of wildflowers and bordering trees to the large colorful beehive with signs marked to keep a safe distance.  The beehives are different colors to help the bees find their colony.

At the beehives, turn around and loop back down on the other trail downhill which circles back towards the main entrance (also the exit).  Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve has row-upon-row of wildflowers, so expect to see pollinators such as monarch butterflies on their milkweed host plant.     Kites will dive for insects and hawks scan the ground for prey.  The 2 mile loop hike is perfect for kids, and a picnic in the shade under the canopy of large old pecan trees.   The exit is the same as the entrance.  Expect to stay 1 hour.

Open:  daily during daylight hours

Discounts: free

Special needs:  The paved area would easily accommodate wheelchairs, but the grassy meadow path would be more difficult without a jogging stroller.  Low-lying areas can get muddy.

Know Before You Go:

• The only restroom is a portable potty at the entrance to the meadow.  The playground area does not have a restroom.
• The grass is mowed, but can get tall at the edges of the trail.  Wear closed-toe shoes, or rubber boots if it is muddy. 
• Bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen.  Apply insect spray to avoid chiggers.
• No bikes or motorized vehicles, Leave no Trace, Pooch Permit required.

Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve
Corner of Alma Drive and South Bethany Drive
Allen, TX 75013
http://connemaraconservancy.org/wordpress/meadow-nature-preserve/